Karen McSpadeReseñas

Ridiculously plotty, totally goofy fun read. Sidney Grace is not the sort of witch who historically defied the official church and clung to an "Older" religion; she's the TV sitcom kind who was born with psychic powers and has to live with them as best she can, with the help of her grandmother, Ada-Mae, who sends her whole coven back through her informal School fo Magic to remind Sidney that using "mind-control magic" to make haggling a little easier is unethical and dangerous. Things even more unethical and dangerous are going on in Ada-Mae's little town in Florida. The unpleasant realtor Sam is murdered and demands that Sidney help find out why. That's only part of the unethical and dangerous magic being brewed by a rival coven. So is Sidney's parents' divorce. So is her friend Zoe's being handcuffed to the radiator. So is Sheriff John's sudden decision to enforce the law against Sidney living in her vehicle on the beach, when in fact he'd prefer that she stay in Florida and marry him. In community they find strength...but do they have enough?

Holly Sinclair is burning out on her job in the city. Her father and sisters need her back in their small-town bakery. When she goes home for Christmas, she finds herself solving a mystery in the coziest possible way. With the help of technology and the boy she used to have a crush on, now a police detective, she helps foil a dognapping ring without having to meet any dognappers. The only danger is that the Sinclairs will eat too many of their delicious desserts, two complete recipes included.

In this fifth and final episode of the Crystal Beach Magic Mysteries, Sidney finds herself in hot water. A lot of it. And none of it is her own making. First, Officer Reece is hoping that the person who wants the USB drive will try and purchase it during the mini-golf invitational. But when things seem to go awry more and more, Sidney looks for another way to save her mother, and, perhaps. all those she cares for that are around her.

When she teams up with her grandmother Ada-Mae, Ernie, and Judd, it might take more than a witch's spell to discover the truth. Even if she has help from the ghosts of her granddad and late boyfriend Ben. Even if she has help from her cat, Mojo. (Whom I absolutely love in this episode). Nothing anyone could even think of occurs, and it may take quick thinking and the help of an unexpected source to save them all...

I hesitate to say more as I do not want to give anything important away. Let me just say that this was so interesting that I read it through quickly, in order to find out what happens in the climax. You will not be disappointed. It has more action than before, and things happen quickly. Questions we've had in previous books are answered, and that's the big thing. All I can say (in all humor) is that I love cats and wish Mojo were mine! If you've enjoyed the previous episodes, you will love this book. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

Even though this book was way too short, I and could not help but rapidly read it and laugh! This is my first time to get to know that Sydney's grandmother is a witch and she wants to move to Florida to get away from the cold weather of Boston. THANK GOODNESS SHE FOUND THE DOG!

In this third episode of the story, Sidney has (almost) accepted that she's a burgeoning witch. And she's (almost) accepted the fact that she can talk to her cat, Mojo, and see ghosts. But she's not sure what it means when her mom, usually an outspoken anti-magic human, changes suddenly and enters the new mini-golf tournament, and appears to be very good. For a woman who's never done this before, Sidney is getting awfully suspicious.

But what's worse is that she's trying to figure out who killed her friend, and why. Discovering this isn't going to be easy, since she can't pinpoint a suspect. Although she'd love it if it were Deputy Jessie, who's occupying a lot of Officer John Reece's time. Time she'd like to occupy herself...

While her grandmother Ada-Mae is trying to convince Sidney that she's going to be very powerful, all she knows is that it all feels strange to her, and she doesn't have the slightest idea how to cast a spell. Or if she wants to.

When she's driven to head to the golf course once more, she discovers something that could be very telling. But it's what that's not said that has her confused...

In this episode, I was so enthralled by the series that I read it completely through in one sitting, and became disappointed because I have to wait for the next one. It's an enchanting series, one I wouldn't miss for anything. All I can say is, bravo, Ms. McSpade. You've done yourself proud with this. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

Sidney Grace came to Florida to help her grandmother. Once that problem was solved, she discovered another: she can see ghosts -- specifically, at least, her own grandfather. Once the big problem at Shifting Sands retirement community was out of the way, she's now faced with the problem of finding a job and a place to live. After all, she can't live on the beach forever, can she? While she sorts that out, two more problems arrive: her controlling mother comes to visit, determined to find a place to live, and getting her grandmother out of Shifting Sands. Then she comes across an old boyfriend, and discovers that she might have feelings for him.

But before anything can be sorted out, the mini-golf tournament gets halted with the discovery of a dead body. And her mother suddenly changes, and Sidney's convinced she's under a spell. Is anything ever going to go her way? And did I mention that one of her cats can now talk to her?...

This is the second installment in the Crystal Beach Mysteries and I have to say it's fascinating. In full disclosure, I don't read stories about witches, but I am finding this one immensely delightful. While Sidney figures out what's going on, the subplots bring depth to the story, and the characters are becoming viable people. It's interesting and intriguing at the same time. Needless to say, I want to know what is going to happen in the next installment.

Without saying any more so as not to give away anything, I think anyone who starts this series will highly enjoy it.

I received an advance copy from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

This is the first episode of a new series by Karen McSpade. It is entirely different from her last series and entirely enchanting. While I don't normally read books about witches (too overdone), I have to say that this one has me hooked. I love Sidney, who wants to be a good journalist but has no tact when she writes articles, and wants to ignore her heritage (if she can). She also doesn't enjoy chasing down her grandmother who loves to cast spells (constantly), even if it means that she's leaving her boss in Boston to cool down after her last fiasco of an article.

So now Sidney and her four cats (I love cats) are living in a Dodge van that's seen better days; she's trying to find a killer to keep her grandmother out of jail, and oh, yes -- she can see her dead grandfather, who points her to clues. Not bad for a couple of days in a retirement village, right?

Then there's the fact that she might have her eye on a killer...

This is a short read, but the next installment is coming soon (not soon enough). If you like magic, a somewhat ditzy heroine, and a cat or four, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Booksprout, but this in no way influenced my review.

Piper Sandstone, aka Sharon, has just opened the Queen's Bees Private Investigation firm along with her senior sleuthing friends Doris, Rosemary, Patty Sue and Margie (aka the Diamonds and Dentures Crime Squad), and they're just off a case of finding a killer and a champion dog. Now they're ready for business. But before they do so, they're attending the dog show at the estate of a wealthy art collector. Unfortunately, things don't go well -- the art is stolen right off the walls, and during the show. So now they have to wonder who would have planned this? It doesn't help when the owner, Henry Hughes, shows up, screaming at everyone, nor when the PIs find a dead security guard.

Someone had to know about the heist. Was it the security guard they found, Marco Jenkins? Or the IT guy who claims a hacker broke into the system? Or was it someone close to Mr. Hughes, who might have thought this a good opportunity? But Piper knows art like this can't be sold, and only another private investor will buy it. So where do they go from here?

With the unwanted help of Piper's new bodyguard, Gemma Bianchi, hired by her uncle, Chief Hobbs, to protect her (really, how can a woman so small protect anyone?), and Gemma constantly telling her everything Piper does is a bad idea, she's still determined to solve the case. If the PIs don't, they just might be relegated to finding more cases involving cows. But just as things seem to be getting interesting, her Chicago friends Nancy and Morgan have surprises in store for themselves.

Piper's also trying to take time out for herself -- and her interest in the sheriff. On a picnic together she's miffed that Gemma insists on tagging along, albeit 'being invisible'. She doesn't even want a bodyguard!

Yet she has to work on the case, and when they may or may not have hit upon a major clue...and meanwhile, back in Chicago, Piper's friends are still having problems of their own -- and need to get to her...

We know that Piper has been hiding out in Savory, ever since she cornered dirty cops in the Windy City. Until the case comes to trial, she's been living as Sharon in her PI business. But unfortunately, a glimpse of Piper has hit the news because the ladies are investigation the high-end art robbery and two deaths.

The hit men are on the trail. Her good cop friends from Chicago are following the hit men and trying to get to Piper first. And Piper and her friends are trying to solve the heist and the murder. How can her bodyguard Gemma keep Piper safe if she won't let her?...

This is a blast, watching the seniors at work while they try and stay by Piper's side. Piper, meanwhile, is trying to do her job and not worry about anything else; but then again, she doesn't know the hit men are on their way. Still, I have to say that the last is probably the best part of the book. Everything comes together neatly, and we get a climax that's both intense and funny at the same time. The book ties up all the ends together weaving the story to a satisfying conclusion, and Piper and her friends definitely have their hands full, leaving something else to look forward to...but I won't spoil it. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author and BookSprout but this in no way influenced my review.

Piper Sandstone is enjoying her new life as a private investigator with her four senior friends, and they're on the trail of an art heist. The problem is that they don't have any real leads...until now. When a friend of one of the ladies is suspected in the theft, it turns out she's the only one who thinks that they're innocent. But are they? And will the four capture the thief before Piper's location is discovered?

When Piper's cop friends back in Chicago are ambushed, they know they have to get to her fast. Before the killers do. But is there a clue to Piper's whereabouts? And how do they know it's her?

This is the fourth book in the series, and keeps you on the edge of your seat while you wait to see if Piper will solve the case, or if the bad guys will reach her first -- or will both happen simultaneously? (I don't know yet). Still, it's a riveting section of the full novel, and worth getting into. I have enjoyed each and every one of these so far, and can't wait to read the final book and discover the conclusion. Piper and her friends have become quite lovely to have around, and the ladies are a hoot in their own way. Now if everyone would just stay out of the funhouse...

I received a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

When Piper Sandstone moves to Savory, Alabama, it's to keep her safe from cops back in Chicago that are trying to kill her before she can testify. Now it seems, after a catching a dog-napper, there are some people who know who she really is. Still, she maintains her cover of being Sharon, a waitress-turned-private eye; and along with her friends the senior Denture and Diamonds Crime Squad, they've opened a private investigation agency.

They're on the trail of thieves who have stolen millions worth of art, and think they've found a clue as to whom the thieves might be. But when that leads them down a rabbit hole, they've got to up their game, even if it means listening in on private conversations that might tell them part of the story, or cornering the employees at the vast Bancroft Estates, where the art was stolen. Learning a clue here and there is helping them, but it's not enough to get them where they want to be...

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Piper's friends have been ambushed and are trying to find a way to get ot her before the bad guys do. With the help of another person, they just might get there first. But if they don't, Piper might be done for...

This is the third installment in the Deep Fried Revenge storyline, and it's just as good as the other two. Piper is unaware that someone might be even closer than she thinks to finding her, but her bodyguard Gemma is on her toes, even if Piper wants her gone.

The PI's are getting information gleaned from Bancroft employees, and whether it will help or not time will tell. But Piper is happy things are moving along, and she's willing to risk it all to find the stolen art...

I enjoyed this book as much as any of them, and we are getting close to the conclusion of the story. It's beginning to get to the point that something is going to happen, and we might even find out who the bad guys are. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

Piper Sandstone is a Chicago cop hiding out in Savory, Alabama under an assumed name. After solving a mystery of a missing championship dog, she and her senior gal pals have decided to open a private investigation firm, and are taking on their first big case.

While they were at a dog show, millions of dollars worth of art was stolen right under everyone's eyes, including the bodyguards and others hired to keep an eye on it. Now they're on the trail of the thieves, and because of an anonymous tip, they might have a major clue.

But Piper's also trying to take time out for herself -- and her interest in the sheriff. On a picnic together, she's miffed that the bodyguard her uncle hired for her insists on tagging along, albeit 'being invisible.' She doesn't even want a bodyguard!

Still, she has to work on the case, and when they find what they're looking for, they may or may not have hit upon a major clue...and meanwhile, back in Chicago, Piper's friends are having problems of their own -- and need to get to her...

This is the second book in the series, and I am glad that I was able to read it so quickly, The first pulls you into the story, and when there's not another page to turn, it's disheartening. But then this comes along and brings you right back into the action as if you never left, and the story continues with the sassy and zesty senior women doing what they do best to stop crime. There's also a funny scene that I've mentioned above about a picnic, so watch for it.

This was indeed a fun read, and I can't wait to dig into the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

Piper Sandstone, aka Sharon, has just opened the Queen's Bees Privates firm along with her senior sleuthing friends, Doris, Rosemary, Patty Sue, and Margie, (aka The Delta Queens) and they're just off a case of finding a killer and a champion dog. Now they're ready for business. But before they do so, they're attending the dog show at the estate of a wealthy art collector. Unfortunately, things don't go well -- the art is stolen right off the walls, and during the show. So now they have to wonder who would have planned something like this? It doesn't help when the owner Henry Hughes, shows up, screaming at everyone, nor when the PIs find a dead security guard,

Someone had to know about the heist. Was it the security guard they found, Marco Jenkins? Or the IT guy who claims a hacker broke into the system? Or was it someone close to Mr. Hughes, who might have thought this was a good opportunity? But Piper knows art like this can't be sold, and only another private investor will buy it. So where do they go from here?

With the unwanted help of Piper's new bodyguard, Gemma Bianchi, hired by her uncle, Chief Hobbs, to protect her (really, how can a woman so small protect anyone?), and Gemma constantly telling her everything Piper does is a bad idea, she's still determined to solve the case. If the PIs don't they might just be relegated to more cases involving cows (read the book to find out). But just as things seem to be getting interesting, her Chicago friends Nancy and Morgan have surprises in store for them.

Being the first book in the new series, I liked where it started -- after the murder, where it backtracked a bit -- and of course, being a serial book, there was a cliffhanger; but I didn't let this distract me at all from the book itself, which is written well and pulls you into the story immediately. The only downside is that you have to wait for the next to see what Piper and her friends are up to. A great beginning for a new book in the life of Piper Sandstone. I can't wait to read the next.

I received a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

Chicago detective Piper Sandstone is hiding out in Savory, Alabama while waiting for the dirty cops she exposed to go on trial. She's masquerading as a waitress named Sharon, and has met four interesting older ladies who call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. When a champion dog and his trainer both go missing, the ladies think there's been foul play, and when a dead body winds up in the bayou, they know for sure.

They've roped Piper into their schemes, and Piper isn't hesitating -- you can take the cop out of the city, but she's still a cop through and through. So she's curious as to who killed the young woman, and what is really going on. But as the mystery deepens, so does Piper's interest, and she's determined to find the face of a killer who has no remorse and may be ready to kill again...

This is the fifth book in the series and I have read them all; with great enjoyment for each one. Piper is an interesting character, but the Dentures and Diamond ladies are a hoot. They have no qualms about anything they do, even if it might bring them trouble down the line. Unfortunately, they're all trying to stay under the radar when it comes to the sheriff, who is already suspicious about Piper as it is.

The ladies are all quite adept at what they do, even if they do get themselves in near-trouble, they manage to find their way out easily, and some of the situations are downright funny. But murder isn't funny in the least, and Piper, along with her friends, manage to put the pieces together nicely.

In this last episode, we discover the identity of the murderer and the reasons for the killings as well. It's a rather insane reason, but then again, aren't killers crazy (to say the least) in the first place? The climax is done very well, and the plot keeps you reading; and we're given a satisfactory ending to the book. I have been delighted in them all and in the finality of this one as well. Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

Piper Sandstone is a Chicago police detective who is currently hiding out in Savory, Alabama under an assumed name. She works as Sharon, a waitress, at a local eatery, and is becoming fond of a group of older women who call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. These ladies are determined to find out the truth about a murdered dog trainer, and they've taken on 'Sharon' as one of their own.

But then a local man dies at the eatery and it's discovered that he's been poisoned. Now these woman are wondering if the two are connected, and what they have to do with the recent dognapping that's taken place. So in this vein, they've decided to go undercover to discover clues, but they may have gone just a tad too far this time...

This is the fourth episode of this series, and I have read every one. Each time they get more interesting, and give you a little bit more in clues to work with. There is suspense aplenty, and snippets of information given, both about Piper and what is going on in Savory. In this, we are drawn into the town and its residents, wondering who killed both people and why.

Just when you get to the part you want to know more of, the book drops a small bomb and gives us something to look forward to in the next...which I want to read right away. Ms. McSpade tells a mean story, and her books are always intriguing and worth the read. Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

When Piper Sandstone moves to Savory, Alabama, it isn't her own choice. It's because she's in the middle of a trial involving dirty cops, and it's for her own safety. Since she's now Sharon, a waitress at the local diner, she needs to keep her identity secret. But it doesn't stop her from investigating crime -- it's inbred in her as a cop -- and she's investigating the death of a young woman whose body was found in the swamp. Joining her are a group of four retired ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad, and they're just as concerned about justice for the dead woman.

But things get hairy when she's caught snooping by the local sheriff, who now doesn't trust her, and more involved when she finds something she didn't expect to find. Now she's wondering why things aren't looking the way they should, and if there's more to the story. But before she can do any more sleuthing, something occurs that stops everything temporarily...

This is the third installment in the series, and I have to say that I am really enjoying it. While these are short reads, it is difficult to put them down, and it makes you want to finish the entire series in one sitting. There is enough action to please anyone, and enough mystery to keep you guessing. Since these are short, I hesitate to give you any more information than I already have, but urge you to read the series, beginning with the first book. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

Piper Sandstone is a Chicago detective who crossed some bad guys when she outed some corrupt cops, and now has to hide out in small-town Savory, Alabama and work as a waitress until she's called home. She doesn't like it much, but she's willing to do whatever it takes to get back and stay alive. Unfortunately, there's a dognapping while she's there of an AKC dog, and along with the help of several elderly women who want to solve it, Piper will help as much as she can without blowing her cover...

This is the first book in the Piper Sandstone mysteries, and I really am not sure what to make of it. It's pretty short -- only 54 pages -- which is not enough to flesh out any characters, including Piper. Almost all of this is concerned with Piper's inner thoughts, and we don't really get a feel for her character, or why she's there. It's not mentioned in the story, only in the blurb, so that's how it was figured out.

At any rate, this is more of the first of an episodic serial, and you will have to read the others to find out what happens to Piper. While I want to know, I'm not sure what to make of this; however, it is an interesting introduction into Piper and her newfound elderly friends down in 'Alligator Alley.'

I was given an advance copy of this story from the author but this in no way influenced my review.